RUAS welcomes 37th President

John joined the Society as a member in 1979, was elected to Council in 1995 and has served on the Council Show Stewards, Sheep and Show Safety committees. He has also held the role of Chairman of the Cattle Committee and was elected twice as Chairman of the Winter Fair Committee.

Having stewarded at the Balmoral Show and Winter Fair on over 65 occasions, John’s expertise in the ring has proved invaluable to the Society in recent years. The 2024 Balmoral Show will not only mark his first engagement as President of the RUAS, but also his 30th consecutive year as an exhibitor.

Originally from Markethill in County Armagh, he grew up on a dairy farm and from here developed a passion for cattle. John alongside his wife and fellow Society member Ann, built their own herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Maghaberry which they show regularly.

From 1978 until 2016, John’s name was synonymous with Danske Bank (formerly Northern Bank) particularly within the agribusiness division, and his career and voluntary roles have seen him meet industry leaders and producers from across the province. From his involvement in the Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS), to the Ulster Grassland Society, Lantra, northern division of the Guild of Agri Journalists of Ireland and supportive roles within Gleno Valley Young Farmers Club, John has reached the industry at a variety of levels and continues to engage with producers on a regular basis.

John commented: “It is a huge honour to be elected President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. I attended my first Show almost sixty years ago and have been actively involved with the Society in various roles since 1979.

"It’s a pleasure to succeed my good friend Mrs Christine Adams as President, and I look forward to working with all the Council and staff as we celebrate 170 years of the RUAS. I cannot wait to welcome everyone to this year’s Balmoral Show from Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre”.